Mark Conlon runs over 1,500km in just 66 days in ‘Last Man Standing’
By Maurice Garvey
LONG distance runner Mark Conlon came first in a ‘Last Man Standing’ competition, ultimately completing over 1,500km in just 66 days.
Clondalkin resident Conlon, who has completed multiple marathon feats for charities over the years, was also running to help raise funds for Donaghmede girl Freya Doyle (10), who suffers from a life debilitating illness.
Mark Conlon and his niece Kayla with his trophy
The running event was organised by East of Ireland marathon series.
After 10 weeks of running extreme distances, Didier Da Costa, the second last runner dropped out and Mark finished off the event on December 30.
“It was extremely tough going running well over 1,500km and doing back to back ultra marathons,” said Mark.
“Running up to 10/11 hours a day around Clondalkin mostly in Corkagh Park, I was up against one of the best running talents out there so I’m happy I hung on and kept going.”
The extreme nature of the race saw participants running every day, bar Christmas day, often clocking up distances of 50km to 75km in a day.
“I did my last back to back 75kms on December 29/30. We uploaded distances on a Garmin watch to Strva, so you could run anywhere. People must have been wondering why I was running for hours every day in Corkagh Park, but I would also go up to the village.”
Mark said Freya’s family is trying to raise €40,000, for renovations to the family home, to respond to Freya’s complex needs.
Covid-19 naturally put a stop to loads of events in 2020 that were essentially fundraisers for the campaign.
To donate, visit HERE.
By subscribing to The Echo you are supporting your local newspaper Click Here: Echo Online.
